Power Converter Control Without Galvanic Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an efficient power converter arrangement that operates without galvanic isolation between the input and output nodes, while maintaining high efficiency and preventing current flow to ground.
Innovation Solution
The power converter arrangement operates in a first mode where the input power is adjusted by determining switched node voltage references and adjusting the intermediate voltages to match the highest switched node voltage reference, thereby eliminating the need for galvanic isolation and reducing switching losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If galvanic isolation is implemented using a transformer, then safety and electrical isolation are improved, but cost and device size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transformer component from the power converter arrangement, extracting the galvanic isolation function and replacing it with a control method that operates without electrical isolation, thereby reducing device size and cost while maintaining operational safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical galvanic isolation mechanism (transformer) with an electronic control mechanism that uses coordinated switching of converter stages and voltage regulation to achieve the same safety objective without electrical isolation
2Adaptability or versatility
If all converter stages are operated in switched-mode, then power conversion flexibility is improved, but power consumption and switching losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode selection where converter stages can switch between switched-mode and non-switched-mode operation based on real-time operating conditions, allowing the system to adapt its switching activity to minimize losses while maintaining conversion flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial switching action by deactivating switching operations in certain converter stages when full switching flexibility is not required, thereby reducing switching losses while maintaining sufficient power conversion capability through the remaining active stages
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows the power converter to operate efficiently without galvanic isolation, reducing costs and size while preventing current flow to ground, thus enhancing overall system efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The first power converter may be implemented as an AC-DC converter that generates an intermediate voltage (DC link voltage) based on alternating input voltages received from the power grid
Implementation Method 2
The second power converter may be implemented as a DC-DC converter that supplies the battery based on the intermediate voltages
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a controller for controlling operation of a power converter is disclosed. The method includes operating a power converter in a first operating mode. The power converter includes input nodes (a, b, c), each configured to receive a respective one of input voltages (Va, Vb, Vc), intermediate nodes (x, y, z), and output nodes (p, r); a first power converter (1) coupled between the input nodes (a, b, c) and the intermediate nodes (x, y, z); and a second power converter coupled between the intermediate nodes (x, y, z) and the output nodes (p, r). Operating the power converter in the first operating mode includes adjusting an input power received by the first power converter (1); and adjusting each of a first intermediate voltage (Vx) and a second intermediate voltage (Vy) by the second power converter (2).